Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 6.5)
The given multi-line graph tracks the percentage of the population living in a city of four asain countries- Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia- from 1970 to 2020 and forecasts the percentage till 2040.
Overall, an upward trend is observed in the percentage of the population living in cities in all four countries. The greatest rise is seen in Malaysia and the least is seen in Thailand.
In 1970, about 30% of Malaysia’s total population lived in cities and that number steadily rose to 45% by 1990. After 1990, it retained its position as the most urbanized country by surpassing the Philippines. The figure surged and climbed to 76% by 2020. This percentage is expected to reach 83% by 2040. A similar trend can be seen with Indonesia; it was the least urbanized country in 1970 and accounted for only 14%. It gradually rose till 2020, reaching 50%. It became the second most urbanized country by replacing both the Philippines and Thailand by 2010. Additionally, the percentage is anticipated to reach 60% by 2040.
The Philippines, the most urbanized country in 1970 at 32%, showed minor variations. After peaking at 48% in 1990, it fell to 40% by 2010. A steady rise was seen until 2020. By 2040, the predicted numbers are 60%. Ultimately, Thailand, which was the third largest in 1970 accounted for 19%. It rose steadily until 1990 and remained stable at 32% until 2020 with a perdiction of 48% by 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features, trends, and making relevant comparisons across the four countries. An overview is present, highlighting the overall upward trend, the highest growth in Malaysia, and the lowest in Thailand. Data points are generally accurate, such as noting Malaysia starting around 30% in 1970 and reaching 76% in 2020. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in data reporting, such as stating Indonesia reached 50% in 2020 (actual is around 52%) and giving the Philippines a prediction of 60% by 2040 (actual is 55.5%). Despite these small discrepancies, the response well satisfies the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The essay is clearly organised with a logical progression from an introductory statement to an overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing individual country trends. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect ideas, such as 'Overall,' 'After 1990,' 'Additionally,' and 'Ultimately.' Paragraphing is logical, grouping Malaysia and Indonesia together and contrasting them with the Philippines and Thailand. However, referencing is slightly confusing at times, such as when discussing Indonesia replacing the Philippines and Thailand by 2010. Overall logical organisation and paragraphing place this comfortably in the Band 7 range.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, using terms such as 'urbanized country,' 'surged,' 'climbed,' 'minor variations,' and 'anticipated.' There are a few spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'asain' (Asian) and 'perdiction' (prediction), but these do not impede communication. Less common lexical items are attempted with adequate control, fitting the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 7, though occasional minor slips prevent a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used throughout the response, including relative clauses and passive/active predictions ('This percentage is expected to reach...', 'The given multi-line graph tracks...'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'living in a city of four asain countries' instead of 'in four Asian countries' and 'accounted for only 14%' where the percentage refers to the population share. However, these errors rarely impede communication and sentence control is generally maintained.
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